The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) has awarded a contract exceeding $400 million to expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego, California. This project, made possible by federal funding secured by the local Congressional delegation, aims to significantly upgrade and repair the facility.
“Today’s announcement regarding the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant is a crucial step towards seriously addressing the toxic waste and raw sewage flowing from the Tijuana River,” said Senator Alex Padilla, D-California. He emphasized the persistent health and environmental hazards caused by pollution that has plagued Southern California’s air and water for far too long. Padilla also reaffirmed his commitment to securing additional federal resources to address this crisis with the urgency it demands.
Earlier this year, the San Diego Congressional delegation successfully obtained over $156 million for essential repairs to the plant. In 2019, the delegation also secured $300 million to double the plant’s capacity from 25 million gallons per day to 50 million gallons per day. By 2022, legislation was passed, allowing the IBWC to utilize these funds to mitigate harmful pollutants in the Tijuana River Valley.
“Our communities can’t wait any longer. I’m pleased to see the IBWC take this significant step, which will allow us to put the more than $400 million my colleagues and I secured for the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant to work for crucial repairs and upgrades,” said Representative Juan Vargas, D-San Diego. He emphasized that the project will double the plant’s capacity, prevent up to 90% of untreated wastewater from reaching the coast, and ensure cleaner, safer water for the region.
In May 2024, officials urged the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate contaminants in the water, soil, and air resulting from sewage pollution, and to assess their connection to the reported increases in illnesses and other symptoms. The CDC has since agreed to initiate an investigation into the public health impacts of pollution from the Tijuana River.
“This announcement has been a long time coming, and I’m thrilled to see the $400 million our congressional delegation secured leading to significant progress in ending the Tijuana River Valley crisis,” said Representative Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego. She reiterated that while substantial progress has been made, ongoing efforts will be required to monitor the IBWC’s construction, collaborate with Mexican counterparts, and ensure that communities on both sides of the border can live safely.
